>>5380492"That would be an amendable offer." You concede, and Sauti flashes you a bull-body smile as every mouth on her person curves into a relieved expression. "As for how far you'll be taking us...I have a proposition—how do you feel about setting up rest stops in the No-Man's land?"
While Sauti’s fleet of smiles falter as one, Iris’ features contort into a full-blown scowl as she demands; “There are no ‘rest stops’ in the Crucible’s shadow, Defiant.”
"It's crazy, I know.” You chuckle through your envoy, as Brig and Breech take curious steps forward. “Who would be in their right mind to establish a freaking rest stop in literal Cancer-land? Even I thought it was impossible given what I've learned prior to coming here with the ground being ever-chaotic and such."
You hold up one finger, mirrored by your swarmling raising a single claw as you add; "That is...unless you know 'where' to set up a rest stop."
“Explain.” Iris bluntly replies.
"I've discovered that there are stable points in the No Man's land, and although they may be few and far between, the point is they *EXIST*.” You begin, slowly. “Me and mine are headed to one to see if we can establish a foothold into this forsaken place where the terrain is permanently stable and where people can rest up before forging deeper towards the Cord. The No Man's land is expanding, and I intend for those rest stops to be places of necessity where others can take a much-needed breather before the final push."
“This…this is insane. Even if what you’re saying is possible, there’s no way it would turn into anything less than a bloodbath.” Iris scoffs, her manifold eyes briefly glancing at Sauti, who’s wearing a conflicted expression that only deepens as Breech speaks up.
“What about the Lodge? It was a safe haven on the edge…’til it was eaten, of course.”
"Since when was the last time anyone save for the dead and the powerful could afford the luxury of a having a proper eight hours of sleep, much less a good two-hour nap without having to keep one eye open for danger?" You point out, with the two gunners edging closer—both are clearly intrigued by your goal, if not entirely convinced. "As far as I can tell, getting proper rest is a premium that many would do anything to afford, especially in a place like this. Even if it means having to play nice with each other."
“That…that would be quite the feat.” Sauti sighs, tapping her lower lip thoughtfully with one long, quadruple-jointed finger. “To say nothing of the boldness of staking a fresh claim in a place renowned to be untamable.”
"Look—you and yours deserve a much-needed rest, I'm in need of a set of eyes far sharper than what I currently have and a set of ‘wheels’ faster than my legs.” You say, gently gesturing to one of Sauti’s massive steeds. You get me and mine to those anchor points and I'll make sure you get your 2-hour naptime."
(Continued)
